Transfer Rumors: City Lead Way In Race For De Jong

Manchester City have been heavily linked with AJAX midfielder Frenkie De Jong. Since failing to secure Jorginho in the summer, City have been searching for other options, that would be a long term replacement to Fernandinho.

It appears City have narrowed their search to the highly touted dutch midfielder De Jong. According to reports, City have had break through and are closing in on his signature. City have beaten Tottenham and Man United, who both according to these reports, have conceded that De Jong is likely headed to the Etihad.

The deal is apparently worth around £61 million, which would see Pep Guardiola finally getting his long term replacement for Fernandinho. In these reports, it is also suggested that De Jong will not move until the summer, no matter who wins his services.

De Jong’s agent Ali Dursan has also recently spoken about these reports. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Ali said “he cannot confirm or deny the reports, you should ask [Ajax director of football] Marc Overmars, I send all the clubs who contact me to him.” Not given a definite answer, but some can take it as that there is something there, and he doesnt want to give out too much information.

Barcelona are also very interested in the player. They likely will battle it out with City for De Jong’s services. Barcelona have apparently “fallen in love with the player”, De Jong “flattered by the interest”, with Barcelona viewing him as a long term Bousquets replacement. Some speculate that De Jong would favor a move to Barcelona, as he was a boyhood fan. If all this is the case, this deal is far from over, and City will likely have a battle to win the race of his signature.

Stay tuned to see how this story continues to develop. But at this point, we can speculate that City are very interested in acquiring Frenki De Jong. But will likely have to beat out Barcelona.